Thrush - children and adults

Certain germs normally live in our bodies. This includes bacteria and fungi. While most germs are harmless, some can cause infection.

Thrush occurs in children and adults when too much of a fungus called Candida grows in your mouth. A small amount of this fungus normally lives in your mouth. It is usually kept in check by your immune system and other germs that also live in your mouth.

When your immune system is weak or when normal bacteria die, too much of the fungus can grow.

You are more likely to get thrush if:

You are in poor health.

You are very old. Young babies are also more likely to develop thrush.